5 Things to Know Before Buying solar roof tiles manufacturers
Dec. 30, 2024
5 Things to Keep in Mind Before Installing Solar on Tile
At EcoFasten, our founding principle has always been to manufacture easy-to-install, 100% watertight solar roof mounts and attachments. EcoFasten product portfolio of rooftop mounting systems and solar roof attachments has you covered when it comes to mounting solar on tile roofing.
You will get efficient and thoughtful service from Jiasheng.
The approach to installing a solar array on tile roofing is entirely different from installing on any other roof type. Like any installation, there are essential factors to consider before the on-roof work begins. Here are five things to keep in mind before starting the installation.
- EVALUATE UNDERLAYMENT
The building code was updated in the mid-eighties to include underlayment as a requirement for tile roofs as a means of protecting homes from wind-driven rain, snow, and sleet. Inspecting the underlayment before designing the solar array is critically important. Underlayment thats rotting, cracking, or deteriorating could create leaks regardless of what your time on the roof entails.
- INSPECT TILES
A widespread issue with tiles roofs is that there is likely past damage that was never addressed such as a dropped tool or a just-a-little-too-heavy footstep. Often, tiles are just sealed back together using silicone or other adhesives and left on the roof. Its a good idea to make a note of these tiles since any unaccounted-for damage will be associated with the last person up there you.
- ASSESS PEST DAMAGE
Tile roofing can be an ideal home for pests like mice, squirrels, birds, and bats. Tile damage from pests can lead to moisture intrusion, which will rapidly degrade waterproofing properties as well as the structure underneath. If you can get access to the inside of the roof and do a survey of the attic, youll get a good sense of whether the roof has a leaky past or is currently leaking.
- REDUCE TIME
We all know tile is heavy, and even the heaviest tile can be very brittle. Limiting your time on the roof will help keep structural integrity intact. When youre up there doing your survey, youll get a good idea of how the surface is assembled which is essential before starting any installation.
- YOULL BREAK A FEW TILES (AND THATS OK)
By stepping on the headlap (the first 3 on the downslope edge of the tile), youll reduce your chances of breaking tiles just remember even the most seasoned installers break roof tiles, and so will you. Just like previously damaged tiles should be replaced before or during the install, any breakage caused while youre on the roof should also be fixed. Mounting solutions that incorporate tile flashings are ideal, as theyll replace a complete tile and will eliminate the need to bore, drill, grind, or cut tiles.
Visit EcoFastens product portfolio to choose which rooftop solar mounting systems or solar roof attachment design works for your tile roof application.
ROOFTOP SOLAR MOUNTING SYSTEMS
ClickFit (Complete Rail-Based Racking System)
RockIt (Complete Rail-Less Racking System)
SOLAR ROOF ATTACHMENTS
QB-1 (Strong Post & Base for New Construction)
Tile Hook Flashing (Stand-Alone Tile Flashing for Use with Tile Hooks)
Tile Mounting System (Complete Watertight Replacement Tile & Base Mount)
TR-Mount (Tile Replacement Flashing & Adjustable Base)
Contact us to discuss your requirements of solar roof tiles manufacturers. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
EcoFasten, an Enstall Company, has established a reputation for being one of the industrys leading innovators by providing expert solutions for mounting solar PV on any roof. EcoFastens broad portfolio of solar rooftop mounting systems and attachments stems from the direct needs of solar PV installers. EcoFasten takes pride in providing the right solution for every application.
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877.859.
Everything you need to know about Solar Roof Tiles
Australia is well and truly the sunburnt country, particularly here in Brisbane, with abundant clear skies perfect for solar. In fact, Queenslanders are leading the way in adopting solar technology, with 40% of homes in QLD and SA alone having solar. Its this combination of plentiful sun and rising energy prices, that create a huge opportunity for Australians to continue embracing solar. If youre looking to make the move to solar, youll know roof panels are long established and well known, but what about the newest technology - Solar Roof Tiles? If youre looking for a non-obtrusive way to bring solar energy into your home then solar roof tiles could be for you. This blog will explore everything you need to know about this emerging technology.
Solar roof tiles explained
What are solar roof tiles?
Put simply, theyre like traditional roof tiles, but capable of collecting solar energy. Dig a little deeper however, and youll see how clever they are. What makes them so smart is the fact that they don't require mounting on top of a roof, they actually integrate within a tiled roof giving them the technical classification of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV). Functionally, this means you can cover more of your roof with solar panels, and aesthetically they fit in seamlessly with your home.
Now, contrary to what you might be thinking, solar roof tiles dont need to take over your entire roof. The ingenious thing about the product is that by their nature they can slot in seamlessly to a tiled roof. As much or as little as needed. So, depending on your location, budget and energy goals you can create the perfect solar setup for your home.
Image via Tesla.How they work
How Solar Roof Tiles Work
Just like traditional solar panels, solar roof tiles capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. As with any solar installation, there are other components required. A solar setup of any size needs these three components:
- Solar Roof Tiles - to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity.
- Solar Inverter - to convert the captured solar energy into usable electricity which can flow through your home. The Inverter you choose can have arguably the most significant impact on how well your system performs so choose wisely.
- Battery storage - does exactly what it says on the tin. A battery will store excess electricity for use later on.
When it comes to sunlight capture, not all roofs are made equal. Like any purchase, you will get what you pay for. Broadly speaking there are three types of solar panel technology to look out for - monocrystalline (efficient and expensive), polycrystalline (still efficient but less expensive) and thin film (inexpensive solution).
Most solar roof tile manufacturers use monocrystalline technology which is the most efficient of the three, but also the most expensive. Interestingly, Tesla recently launched a new solar roof tile which actually has the capability, via a thin coloured film on each tile, to blend in with the other tiles on a roof. If youre willing to pay for the privilege of course. But, more on the cost of tiles later.
Water and weather resistance
Unlike solar roof panels that are installed on top of a roof, solar roof tiles integrate within a roof. But theres a catch - almost every manufacturer requires you to install their own traditional tiles alongside the solar tiles. This is to ensure a snug and safe and watertight installation. Solar roof tile manufacturers will have their own specific set of installation requirements, so look at them closely when choosing. If installed correctly, water ingress should not be an issue.
On a side note, should you find yourself on the roof of your home, you can walk on the solar roof tiles. All solar roof tiles are rated for high weather performance and can withstand weight better than other roofing materials like Colourbond or traditional tiles.
Maintaining a solar roof for top performance
Cleaning and maintenance of your solar roof tiles
As with any solar technology, youll need to look after your investment to ensure it keeps producing electricity for your home. To maintain efficiency of your solar roof tiles, they should be kept clear of debris (fallen branches, dust etc) and kept moderately clean. The good news is, unless youre in a dry, dusty environment, rain will usually be just fine to keep your tiles performing well. If you do need to clean them, we do not advise climbing on the roof - simply hose your roof down from the ground.
The second element is maintenance. As with most technology, solar systems benefit from servicing to make sure everything is performing well, so consider having your provider service your solar roof installation once every 5 years.
Take a closer look at living with solar roof tiles in this short video. YouTuber Alex Flack reviews Tesla Roof Tiles after one year and answers his most frequently asked questions.
Comparing your choices
Solar Roof Tiles versus Solar Panels
Theres a lot of information out there, so heres a quick overview of the key differences between solar panels and solar roof tiles.
FactorSolar RoofJinko Solar Panel Avg. output per sq metreThe amount of energy produced over an average square metre.
165 Watts 217 Watts Avg. efficiency ratingThe portion of energy in the form of sunlight that can be converted
into electricity by the solar cell.
Total installation cost measured divided the total system capacity.
$8.00 less than $1.00 Typical installation fee (6KW system)Average cost inclusive of technology, trades and other factors.
$15,120 - $48,000(Tesla) $4,200 - $6,000 Avg. time to see return on investment
The time it will take for the savings generated by the system
to equal and surpass the installation cost.
How long it takes for a system can be installed at your home.
5-14 days 1-2 days LifespanHow long the system will reliably produce energy before needing
to be replaced.
What to consider when choosing solar roof tiles.
Theres a lot to think about when deciding whether solar roof tiles are right for your home. Now, knowing the basics of what they are and how they work, youre equipped to make a more informed decision. If youre looking to explore further, these are the critical factors to consider to avoid common mistakes when looking at Solar Roof tiles.
- Cost - it goes without saying the biggest factor is clearly the cost of installation. Solar tiles can cost more than double the price of traditional solar panels, which ultimately means they will take longer to deliver a return on investment.
- Aesthetics - traditional solar panels and solar roof tiles perform the same function, with very similar technology. The biggest difference is how they are integrated with your roof. Consider solar roof tiles if the visual appeal of your home is an important factor.
- Installation - solar roof tiles do take longer to install than panels, so set aside plenty of time for the installation. The other thing to consider is that in some instances a roof may not align to the sun correctly, or the roof may be the wrong shape size for traditional solar panels. Roof tiles can be a solution in such cases.
Durability - where solar panels are installed on top of a roof, solar tiles are integrated within the roof. This means the product is more durable in extreme weather conditions such as high wind, and shouldnt experience water ingress issues. Consider your environment and weather conditions when deciding if solar roof tiles are the right option. - Comparative output - solar tiles due to their size and design dont capture as much energy as a solar panel (think one single panel with no wasted space, versus several small tiles interlocking and overlapping). Solar panels can generate up to 30% more energy per square metre versus tiles. So, consider the balance between aesthetics, performance carefully - especially when looking at performance degradation over time.
Conclusions
Solar tiles are an exciting emerging technology, with the potential to transform the market. However, there are plenty of trade-offs to consider when comparing solar roof tiles against solar panels. While many benefits and performance measures are the same or similar, the critical difference to consider is cost and when youll see a return on your investment. With roof tiles costing as much as 4x the amount of traditional solar panels, youll need to decide if the aesthetic benefits outweigh the potentially prohibitive costs.
Nonetheless, with a basic understanding of what they are and how they work, youre now equipped to investigate further and ask the right questions of providers. Our team has over a decades experience installing solar for homes across Brisbane, so If youd like to explore solar further, get in touch. Wed love to help you on your journey.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit china bipv solar panel factory.
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